Daniels leaving for NBA, Boatright staying

Junior DeAndre Daniels is leaving UConn and entering the 2014 NBA Draft. Ryan Boatright is returning for his senior season.

Daniels reached out to fans on Twitter.

"This moment is bittersweet but I made a decision that's best for me and my family. UCONN will always be my home. I love this school so much and the dedicated school spirit of the fans. The past three years here, in Storrs were the best three years of my life. I wouldn't change anything for the world."

Daniels played a key role in UConn's national championshp run, averaging 16 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds in six NCAA tournament games. He's projected to be a late first round draft pick.

A 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward from Los Angeles, Daniels started 38 games and averaged 13.1 points and a team-leading 6.0 rebounds.

He's the first UConn player to leave school early since Andre Drummond and Jeremy Lamb turned pro in 2012.

It also was a difficult decision for Boatright, who was considered a long shot to be drafted.